Uhjjuhdah Promenade • 어쩌다산책

The first time I discovered Uhjjuhdah Promenade (어쩌다산책) which means ‘Strolling by Chance’ (cmiiw) was through Instagram. Saw somebody I followed posted a picture of their zen-like courtyard and I remember thinking “Wow, I didn’t know there’s this kind of place in Seoul”. So then this place immediately went to my Seoul-places-I-want-to-visit list.

Located near Hyehwa station (혜화역) at the heart of Daehag-ro (대학로), Uhjjuhdah Promenade (어쩌다산책) could easily fit to the hidden-gem category because finding this place wasn’t as easy as I thought it’d be. I followed the map to the location and arrived at the destination but saw no single sign of the place. I even rounded the block twice just to see if I went to the wrong side of the building. In the end, I found out that the bookstore cafe is located on the basement of the building.

As soon as I descended the stairs, I was greeted by the sight of the zen-garden inspired semi-outdoor courtyard I saw online. From the gravel, the rocks, the plants, and the lighting, everything about the courtyard definitely gives a sense of peace and calm to visitors who step into the space.

The indoor area itself is divided into two section, the bookstore section to the left of the entrance and the cafe section to the right. Once I stepped inside, I immediately realized that this is one of those quieter places that’s perfect for reading (it is a bookstore after all) or working. The cafe has two types of seating. One big communal table and smaller seating areas for solo visitors or small group.

The bookstore is very neat and well organized. I browsed through the shelves and saw most of the books (if not all) are Korean books.

Uhjjuhdah Promenade (어쩌다산책) is easily one of the nicest bookstore cafe that I’ve been to in Seoul. I came here during a weekday and the place was pretty quiet (not sure how busy it is during the weekend though). Even if you’re not looking to buy any books, I think this place is worth the visit just for its calming atmosphere.

Note: Photos were taken before the pandemic.

 

Uhjjuhdah Promenade • 어쩌다산책

Address: 서울 종로구 동숭길 101 지하 1층
Telephone: 02-747-7147
Hours: Everyday 12:00-21:00

Instagram: @ujd.promenade

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Summer Day at Ewha Womans University • 이화여자대학교

Ewha Womans University (이화여자대학교) is one of those tourists spots in Seoul that’s worth making a visit for. Plus, if you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll probably have a lot of fun checking this place out. Designed by Dominique Perrault Architecture, the campus was build in the middle of Seoul’s urban neighborhood creating a new unique topography reminiscent of the Champs-Élysées in Paris or the Campidoglio in Rome. From the shape of the architecture, the scale of the campus, the amphitheater-like stairs area, and the garden on a hilly slope, the campus is a perfect place to walk around and admire this contemporary structure and the view surrounding it.

I’ve been to Ewha Womans University many times in the past and I still find this place fascinating during every single visit. I also brought many of my friends who were visiting Seoul for the first time to this place just because I personally think that the architecture of the campus is pretty cool. And since I’ve been here quite a bit, I can also say that the vibes also change during every season (fall is probably the prettiest season to visit this place, especially during peak autumn week). During summer, the campus is pretty much surrounded by greeneries. There’s less people sitting on the stairs during daytime because most people prefers the cool air-conditioned indoor spaces than sitting outside under the scorching hot sun during Korea’s humid summer day. But right before sunset when the sun is not as high up in the sky, you’ll see more people around the area. From students who just finished their classes to visitors who simply came to walk around the campus or sit down on the stairs to enjoy their afternoon coffee, everybody seems to be enjoying their time around this campus.

Note: Photos were taken before the pandemic.

Also, you can check this post out if you want to see what it looks like during winter time.

 

Ewha Womans University • 이화여자대학교

Address: 서울 서대문구 이화여대길 52
Subway: Subway Line 2 | Exit 2,3

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Ewha Campus Complex

Ewha Campus Complex (이화여자대학교) is one of my favorite architectures here in Seoul. Built by Dominique Perrault, this grand complex certainly left quite an impression for first time, even returning visitors. The modern campus complex is nothing like I've seen before anywhere else in this city. It is also interesting to see, even when they have this very modern building structure, they're still preserving the old 19th-century gothic brick buildings surrounding the top part of the complex.

Sharing the shots I took during winter, that particular day was pretty cold. So not a lot of people were crowding the place, only the locals who were braving the cold weather, I assumed. We got there right before sunset, and it was my first time too coming to the campus at that time of day. Seeing how the sunlight hit the vertical structure of the stainless metal was certainly a new experience.

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Lasim Cafe

A small quite cafe tucked in Ehwa University's area. The most memorable thing for me about this place is probably that they served Lucky Charms cereal with your ordered drinks. I mean, how great is that? (I'm a sucker for Lucky Charms :P) Haven't had that cereal for a while so it was a lovely surprise :) They also give you lollipop with your order. According to their menu, they have brunch available too during the day. Pancakes and everything. Maybe I'll try that for my next visit.

And oh, I'm back in Seoul from my vacation. Will post more stuff soon (hopefully). Happy New Year 2015! :)

Homilbat (호밀밭)

First time I visited this place was last year when I came to Seoul for traveling. It's supposed to be one of the best bingsu places in Seoul, so I thought it's worth a visit since I was visiting Ehwa University area anyway. Little did I know that even during lunch time on a weekday, the place was packed. There were quite a long line when I got there and since I was pressed on time, I ended up not going to the place. So now, a year later, after I moved here I got plenty of opportunities to go back and try this place. This is one of my favorite bingsu places so far. I like the milky type of bingsu so eating their milk bingsu with fresh fruit is just perfect. Their home-made rice cake and red bean are good too. I noticed here some people ordered one for each person, but I think ordering one to share between two people is enough :)

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